Weatherproof outdoor furniture

ABSTRACT

Outdoor furniture that protects cushions from the elements via an internal lift mechanism and resin waterproof compartment. An operating lever controls the internal lift mechanism that lowers and raises the seat and seat cushions into and out of a resin compartment within the framework of the furniture. The lever allows the furniture to be opened and closed in seconds and does not require the cushions to be removed from the seat or seat back to be protected from the elements. The chair back is hinged, and rotates forward and closes flat creating the waterproof lid for the waterproof compartment. Seals on the chair back and on the frame of the resin waterproof compartment interlock creating the waterproof seal. The resin waterproof compartment protects the seat and seat back from the elements, extending the life of the cushions, and making the furniture easier to manage and enjoy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to copending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 61/236,042, filed on Aug. 21, 2009.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present novel technology relates generally to the field of furnitureand, more specifically, to outdoor furniture , such as lounge chairs,dining chairs, sofas, loveseats, sectionals, chaise lounges, ottomans,and the like.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor furniture products often make use of cushions as a way to makethem more comfortable. This presents problems due to weather and otherelements that can have adverse effects on them. Cushions left in therain, for example, get wet do not allow for immediate use after a storm.In addition, this moisture can cause mold and mildew.

Outdoor furniture with cushions often goes under-utilized because ofthis cushion management issue. The cushions may be stored in a garage,basement or some other cushion storage area or unit. Current techniquesto keep cushions dry consist of furniture covers, which may or may notbe attached in some way to the piece of furniture. Specially designedcushion storage units can also be found in the market today. It's ahassle covering and uncovering outdoor furniture with furniture covers,not to mention the storage of these items. Also, these covers are notaesthetically pleasing. Storing cushions in large cushion storagedevices are also a hassle and they take up lots of space. Thesetechniques have addressed, but not solved, the cushion water managementissue, which keeps the furniture from being used as much as the ownerwould like.

“Weather resistant” fabrics are only water repellent, which means theyare treated with a finish that is resistant, but not impervious topenetration by water. Thus, there remains a need for outdoor furniturethat can withstand water and other weather-related hazards and still beeasily engaged for use. The present novel technology addresses thisneed.

SUMMARY

The present novel technology provides a waterproof/weatherproof systemfor managing outdoor furniture cushions. This system protects cushionsfrom outdoor exposure risks such as wind, rain, dirt, grime and debris.With this novel technology, the cushions can remain in place with thefurniture and do not need to be covered, taken inside, or stored in someother container. A lever system allows the furniture to be opened andclosed in an esthetically pleasing fashion for use.

The waterproof outdoor furniture protects cushions from the elements viaan internal lift mechanism and resin waterproof compartment. Anoperating lever controls the internal lift mechanism that lowers andraises the seat and seat cushions into and out of resin waterproofcompartments within the framework of the furniture. The lever allows thefurniture to be opened and closed in seconds and does not to require thecushions to be removed from the seat or seat back to be protected fromthe elements. The chair back is hinged, and rotates forward and closesflat creating the waterproof lid for the waterproof compartment. A sealon the chair back and on the frame of the resin waterproof compartmentinterlock creating the waterproof seal. The waterproof resin compartmentprotects the seat and seat back from the elements making the furnitureable to be enjoyed more often.

In one aspect of the novel technology, a chair includes a resinwaterproof compartment for the seat and seat back creating protectionfrom the elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of an outdoor chair in the open position

FIG. 2 is a view of an outdoor chair in a closing position. Theoperating lever has been moved to the closed position, so the seat andseat cushion have been lowered into the waterproof compartment. Thisview also shows the seat back rotating forward.

FIG. 3 is a view of the outdoor chair in the closed position. The seat,seat cushion, seat back and seat back cushion are protected in the resinwaterproof compartment.

FIG. 4 is a close up view of the operating lever from the exterior ofthe furniture.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the furniture and the internal lift mechanismin the open position.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the furniture and the internal lift mechanismin the open position.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the internal lift mechanism in the openposition.

FIG. 8 shows resin bucket and seat seals in closed position to keepwater out.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thenovel technology and presenting its currently understood best mode ofoperation, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of thenovel technology is thereby intended, with such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device and such further applications ofthe principles of the novel technology as illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe novel technology relates.

Furniture cushions are protected from the elements via an internal liftmechanism and resin waterproof compartment. An operating lever controlsthe internal lift mechanism that lowers and raises the seat and seatcushions into and out of the resin waterproof compartment within theframework of the furniture. The lever allows the furniture to be openedand closed in seconds and does not require the cushions to be removedfrom the seat or seat back to be protected from the elements. The chairback is hinged, and rotates forward and closes flat creating thewaterproof lid for the waterproof compartment. A seal on the chair backand on the frame of the resin waterproof compartment interlock creatingthe waterproof seal. The waterproof resin compartment protects the seatand seat back from the elements extending the life of the cushions, andmaking the furniture easier to manage and enjoy.

The waterproof outdoor furniture novel technology can be used with manydifferent furniture pieces. A chair 1 will be used to describe the noveltechnology. FIG. 1 shows the chair in the open position and ready foruse. Both the seat cushion 2 and the seat back cushion 3 are exposed. Anoperating lever 4 controls the internal lift mechanism that lowers andraises the seat and seat cushions into and out of the resin waterproofcompartment 9 within the framework of the furniture. The operating lever4 is in the open position.

FIG. 2 shows the chair 1 in the process of closing. The operating lever4 is now in the closed position. The seat 5 and seat cushion 2 werelowered into the waterproof compartment 9 while the operating lever 4was moving to the closed position. The seat back 6 and the attached seatback cushion 3 are lowered manually into the closed position, rotatingon hinges 7. FIG. 3 shows the chair in the closed position. The seatback 6 has been fully lowered creating the top of the waterproofcompartment 9. FIG. 8 illustrates the waterproof seal when the chair 1is in the closed position. A seal 14 in the seat back 6 interlocks witha seal 15 in the waterproof compartment 9 creating a substantiallywatertight connection or seal. A gap is shown between two seals 14, 15to highlight each piece.

FIG. 4. is a close up of the operating lever 4. As seen in FIG. 5 theoperating lever 4 controls the lift mechanism housed in the waterproofcompartment 9. The waterproof compartment 9 is housed within theframework of the chair body. The operating lever 4 controls the liftingsupport bars 8 which are located on each side of the chair. Theoperating lever 4 is connected to the lifting support bars 8 usingsupport tabs 10 and pins 10. The seat 5 is connected to the liftingsupport bars 8 and lowers into the waterproof compartment 9 with thehelp of the vertical guide rods 11. The lifting support frame 12 andhorizontal stabilizing bars 13 provide support.

While the novel technology has been illustrated and described in detailin the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be consideredas illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood thatthe embodiments have been shown and described in the foregoingspecification in satisfaction of the best mode and enablementrequirements. It is understood that one of ordinary skill in the artcould readily make a nigh-infinite number of insubstantial changes andmodifications to the above-described embodiments and that it would beimpractical to attempt to describe all such embodiment variations in thepresent specification. Accordingly, it is understood that all changesand modifications that come within the spirit of the novel technologyare desired to be protected.

1. A chair, comprising: a seat portion; a seat cushion positioned in theseat portion; a recess formed in the seat portion; a back portionpivotably connected to the seat portion; a back cushion connected to theback portion; a pivoting actuator portion operationally connected to theback portion; wherein energization of the pivoting actuator causestravel of the seat portion into the recess; wherein energization of thepivoting actuator pivots the back portion into the seat portion todefine a substantially weatherproof compartment for the seat cushion andback cushion.